(April 19, 2024) El Dorado, AR - After a season sweep over ASU Mid-South last week, the Bucks had a tough week with a 4-game series against South Arkansas this week. Friday's doubleheader took place in Arkadelphia on the campus of Henderson State University. The series concluded Friday in El Dorado. 

The Bucks would split the 4-game series, but with the pair of wins earlier this season at home, the Bucks take the season series 4-2 in the six games. The Bucks lost 2-1 on Thursday, before run-ruling the Stars 16-1 at HSU. After falling 4-2 on Friday, the Bucks won 8-2 to close out the series. 

The men recorded 33 hits in the series, including 6 doubles. Jack Bilski (La Porte, TX) and Cody Hayes (Corsicana, TX) recorded 5 hits a piece to lead the Bucks, while Bilski, Aiden McGinnis (Jasper, AL), and Trevor Flake (North Little Rock, AR) picked up 4 RBIs each. 

The men were also reached base 15 times on hit-by-pitches and walked 19. Trace Watkins (Sheridan, AR) ties the season record of hit-by-pitches at 23 with last season's Cooper White. Watkins walked 5 times during the week and was hit 4 times. 

On the mound, nobody was better than Clint Lafferty (Seguin, TX) and Ian Smith (Bismarck, AR) during the week. Lafferty (5-2) pitched a complete game in the 16-1 win, striking out 5. Smith (3-1) pitched the series finale, lasting all 9.0 innings in the 8-2 win. Also hitting in his normal 2-hole spot, the right hander struck out 9 on the bump. 

The Bucks are now 22-21 overall, but our 18-6 in region play. 

The men will now play a mid-week this coming week on Tuesday against Twin City Post Grad, before playing a 3-game region series against ASU Mountain Home.

#DefendTheMountain